Joystarters with Rachel Baribeau: Nurturing Faith, Finding Purpose, and Pursuing Joyful Living

Trigger Warning:  This episode contains deeply personal reflections and discussions around financial trauma, mental health struggles, and loss. Listener discretion is advised, especially for young listeners. In this unfiltered, unscripted finale to the season, Rachel shares a raw account of a recent emotional spiral that began with a bank visit—and turned into a powerful moment of healing, humilit...

This week’s episode is a patchwork of Rachel’s life on the road, recorded in the moment, with all the emotion, joy, exhaustion, and divine timing she’s known for. You’ll hear Rachel share voice notes from her travels: from a bookstore surprise in San Francisco to a full-circle speaking moment with the 49ers, a serendipitous return to Ohio State on her birthday, and all the beautiful, messy, sacred...

We’re doing something different—and deeply special—this week. We’re celebrating the birthday of a woman who doesn’t just speak… she  shifts  rooms. A woman who has turned pain into purpose, setbacks into soul work, and who has helped thousands find their voice, their fight, and their joy. This episode is a birthday tribute to  Rachel Joy Baribeau , the heart behind  I’m Changing the Narrative  and...

Rachel welcomes her friend Karen McCord, mother of beloved sportscaster Carly McCord, who tragically died in a 2019 plane crash. Together, they explore themes of grief, faith, signs from the afterlife, and a mother’s journey to healing. Karen shares the powerful inspiration behind her book Only Rainbows: A Mother’s Memoir of Courage, Loss, and Grace , which began as a journal of pain and became a...

Rachel sits down with Shannon and Shirley Austin—the couple she credits with saving her marriage. What starts as a conversation about marriage coaching unfolds into a heart-deep exploration of personal accountability, emotional maturity, and the power of radical self-reflection. They unpack the hidden dynamics that erode intimacy, the courage it takes to change ourselves (not our partners), and th...

This week, Rachel sits down with top global speaker Jeremy Anderson to discuss transformation, transparency, and truth. From drug addiction and nightclub hustling to global stages and life-changing mentorship, Jeremy shares how surrendering to God’s plan unlocked a bold new chapter of purpose. Together, Rachel and Jeremy explore what it means to lead with obedience, live in radical authenticity, a...

Rachel pulls back the curtain on the NFL Draft and shares the raw, human stories behind the headlines. These young men are more than numbers on a stat sheet—they are sons, brothers, dreamers, and warriors battling far more than just opponents on the field. She also recounts an unexpected moment during a routine trip to buy pond rocks—a reminder that meaning often finds us in the middle of the ordi...

Rachel catches us up on her life, her work, and the beautiful mess of pursuing healing, joy, and purpose. She shares lessons learned about being curious about your health, grace-filled toward yourself, and bold in your relationships and dreams. From reflections on losing loved ones to celebrating resilience and new beginnings, Rachel reminds us: your life matters, your story matters, and your will...

This episode was recorded live at The Lovelady Center in Birmingham, Alabama. It is PART TWO of Rachel's talk. Rachel brings a raw, spirit-led word to women in the thick of it—those still waiting, still hurting, still hoping. She’s not sharing a tidy little testimony. She’s bleeding truth and beauty all over the mic. This message begs you to stop hiding your story. Start telling it. Your healing i...

This episode was recorded live at The Lovelady Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Rachel delivers a raw, spirit-led message forged in the middle of her own storm—just days after a slew of personal situations nearly derailed her visit. She showed up anyway, with a word straight from heaven for the women in the room—and now, for you. This isn’t a polished sermon—it’s radical vulnerability, real-life fai...

In this compilation episode, Rachel brings together powerful moments from multiple podcasts and Joystarters Club meetings, all centered around one big idea: transformation. The world might feel a bit scary and chaotic right now, especially when it comes to our economy and personal stability—so our hope with this episode is to give you encouragement and some practical tools to take action where you...

This week, we are going back into the vault and sharing excepts from our Table Talk Thursday Series that launched when Rachel's book, Relentless Joy, launched. In this episode, Rachel and Natasha talk about using your pain for purpose, radical vulnerability, and the importance of having a battle plan for your mental health. TRIGGER WARNING: She shares personal stories of addiction, domestic violen...

This week we are going into the vault. You’ll hear portions of two interviews from the past. The first one is with Darren O’Neal of the Darren O’Neal Show . The second is with Brian Covey of Finding Your Competitive Edge. Rachel holds nothing back as she talks about legacy, radical vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From addiction and loss to mountaintop moments and redefining s...

In this throwback episode from SundaySoul, Rachel sits down with her longtime mentor and friend, Dr. Kevin Elko—one of the most sought-after motivational speakers for elite athletes, Fortune 500 companies, and leaders across the world. Dr. Elko shares powerful wisdom on why what you call yourself matters, how faith and boldness unlock success, and why we should seek to be a blessing rather than wa...

Rachel is fired up in this episode, and she’s bringing you the motivation you need to stop waiting and start moving toward the dreams God has placed on your heart. What have you been putting off? What dream, goal, or calling have you let sit on the shelf? It’s time to dust it off and GO. Rachel also shares a deeply personal story about praying over a tie for years, only to watch her husband wear i...

Rachel reflects on her recent experience at the NFL Annual Meetings, where she was one of just a few speakers invited to address all 32 heads of player engagement. In this episode, she unpacks the power of authenticity, boldness, and true connection—reminding us that opportunities aren’t just given, they’re created when we step up, pitch ourselves with confidence, and build real relationships inst...

Rachel is heading to Indianapolis to speak at the NFL's annual meetings, addressing all 32 heads of player engagement. Rachel takes us back to the beginning and shares how #ImChangingTheNarrative got its start. Sheencourages listeners to remember that if God has placed a dream in your heart, it is yours to pursue—no matter how daunting it may seem. Reflecting on her own journey from nervous first-...

Rachel dives into the power of perseverance, the courage to stay ready even when the world tells you to sit down, and the deep impact of walking people home with intention. She reflects on Jalen Hurts’ unwavering determination despite public setbacks, the power of owning your narrative in media and beyond, and the importance of showing up for those we love—especially when time is short. Rachel als...

If you’re waiting for the perfect time, this is your wake-up call—it’s time to make your move! In this episode, Rachel gets real about the power of taking action, stepping into boldness, and refusing to let fear hold you back. This is your year, Joystarter! No more putting your dreams on hold! 💡 Key takeaways: Be bold. Send the text. Make the ask. Drop into the DMs. You never know what doors will...

You are not “too” anything—God made you exactly as you are, in His image, for a reason. No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve faced, or how unqualified you feel, you are called to something audacious. Rachel Joy Baribeau explores what it means to pour into people, plant seeds of faith, and trust that God is moving, even when we don’t see the full picture. She dives into the practice of wearing...

Reflecting on the strength of personal connections, Rachel Joy Baribeau Rohe discusses the impact of extending an open hand instead of a closed fist. She explores the idea that true influence starts with love—an act of vulnerability and courage that creates space for growth, collaboration, and meaningful change. Whether it’s in the workplace, your family, or your community, love is a tool that can...

Rachel Joy Baribeau reflects on recent experiences, including a transformative speaking engagement in Destin, Florida, and an impactful dinner with remarkable women that highlighted the beauty of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Rachel offers wisdom, stories, and practical tools for living with more grace and courage in 2025. She encourages listeners to embrace past versions of themselves, let...

Rachel Joy Baribeau dives deep into an extraordinary conversation with Meghan Riordan Jarvis, a trauma-trained clinical psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, and author of Can Anyone Tell Me? Essential Questions About Grief and Loss . From raw stories of personal loss to groundbreaking insights into grief and healing, this episode is a masterclass in navigating life’s most challenging transitions. Meghan...

Rachel opens up about the weight of shame many of us unknowingly carry and how it holds us back from stepping into our full potential. She shares personal stories of overcoming shame, financial struggles, and difficult seasons in her life. She challenges listeners to reflect on the areas of their lives where shame might be lurking—whether it’s about finances, relationships, health, or personal fai...

In this episode, Rachel Joy Barbeau Rohe shares her experience speaking at Varsity Spirit. She dives deep into what it means to walk in your purpose and the challenges that often come with stepping into your calling. Rachel also encourages listeners to approach 2025 with clarity, grace, and purpose, giving themselves permission to grow without self-judgment.  This episode is a reminder that life’s...